How do I set up my hermit crab's home?

Hermit crabs thrive in a tropical environment. Despite their name, hermit crabs are social creatures and can live together in pairs or groups.

Choose a terrarium with at least 5 gallons of space for every 2 crabs. The terrarium should have a hood to keep humidity in and keep your hermit crab from escaping. Keep the terrarium in a low-traffic area out of direct sunlight and away from drafts.

What to put in the (hermit) crab shack

Line the bottom of the terrarium with 2 to 3 inches of washed aquarium gravel or fine reptile bark bedding; your hermit crabs will burrow into it when they're molting.

Create several hiding places in the terrarium.

Furnish the habitat with at least 2 larger empty seashells per crab, to use as future housing. As they grow into these shells, add slightly bigger ones.

Add a shallow dish with dechlorinated water for your crab to soak in. Make sure the sides of the dish are low enough that the crab can get out easily. If your terrarium includes hermit crabs of different sizes, put a sea sponge in the bowl so the smaller ones can climb out.

Supplement your hermit crab's diet with chopped dark, leafy vegetables such as kale or broccoli and chopped fruit such as apple, grapes and banana. Put the fruit or vegetables in your crab's terrarium in the evening, and remove any leftovers in the morning.

Hermit crabs are extremely sensitive to metal. Be sure their food and water bowls are ceramic or another nonmetal, non-porous material.

Your hermit crab should have access to fresh, clean water at all times. Always add a dechlorinator or water conditioner to tap water before putting it in your crab's water dish.